Month: September 2026

Jewellery brand Alex and Ani has launched an exciting new collection in collaboration with The Hunger Games franchise, featuring exclusive pendants and bracelets adorned with iconic symbols such as the Mockingjay and flames. This collection, designed to embody themes of strength, resilience, and empowerment, arrives just ahead of the much-anticipated release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on 20 November. CEO Prita Kumar highlighted the collection as a celebration of the franchise’s enduring messages and a source of inspiration for fans both old and new.

Roxanne First Fine Jewellery has entered creditors’ liquidation as of 3 September 2026, with Asher Miller and Stephen Katz of BTG Begbies Traynor appointed as joint liquidators. The process is aimed at effectively managing the winding up of the company, allowing the liquidators to operate either collaboratively or independently in accordance with legal provisions.

Laura Ashley has debuted its Moonlight Garden collection in collaboration with Gecko Jewellery, featuring striking pieces made from recycled sterling silver. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s iconic floral prints, the collection includes standout items such as the Mr Jones Mother of Pearl Inlay Necklace and the Mummy and Me Nordic Floral Heart necklace, celebrating the bond between mothers and children. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing, the collection is poised for success, already stocking over 100 retailers nationally. As the autumn season approaches, anticipation builds for this fusion of classic design and modern eco-consciousness.

Chronoswiss has unveiled three limited-edition variants of its Neo Digiteur watch, named the Pastel Code, now available in Rose, Mint, and Sky. Each edition is strictly limited to just 99 pieces, featuring a unique mechanical digital display that forgoes traditional hour and minute hands. The design modernises the original 2005 Digiteur, blending contemporary aesthetics with innovative timekeeping. The soft pastel dials are complemented by a sharp rectangular stainless-steel case, creating a striking balance between technology and style. Each watch is powered by the hand-wound Caliber C.85757 movement, ensuring both functionality and elegance in this exclusive release.

Timex has announced the launch of Timex Atelier, a new collection aimed at the entry-level luxury market, with prices starting near £2,000. This initiative marks a significant shift for the brand, emphasizing Swiss craftsmanship and premium materials. Under the guidance of chief creative director Giorgio Galli, the collection features Swiss-made movements and bold designs, positioning itself against established competitors like Seiko and Grand Seiko. With the Atelier line, Timex seeks to redefine its identity and appeal to a more discerning clientele in the evolving luxury watch landscape.

Antoine Pin’s appointment as CEO of De Bethune marks a pivotal moment for the independent Swiss watchmaker, as he shifts focus from scarcity-driven marketing to enhancing the artistry and craftsmanship of their timepieces. In collaboration with founder Denis Flageollet, Pin aims to educate collectors and foster genuine desirability, steering clear of traditional luxury strategies. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong community around De Bethune’s unique philosophy, while also recognizing the structural challenges facing the broader Swiss watch industry. As he outlines a vision for the brand’s future, Pin remains cautiously optimistic about balancing creativity with market dynamics in a rapidly changing landscape.

Swatch, often overshadowed by its luxury counterparts, stands as a transformative force in the watch industry. Emerging during the Quartz Crisis, it revitalized Swiss watchmaking through innovative engineering and accessible design, ultimately saving a faltering industry. By promoting watch collecting as a casual hobby and merging timekeeping with modern art through collaborations, Swatch not only redefined consumer perceptions but also provided vital support for luxury brands. Its legacy, encapsulated in vibrant designs and cultural relevance, underscores its significant role in the evolution of horology.

The luxury watch industry is redefining experiential marketing standards, as demonstrated by Omega’s innovative offerings at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. With a focus on exclusive experiences, including virtual reality and bespoke events, brands recognize the need to create lasting connections with consumers. Insights from EY’s Luxury Client Index reveal that enhanced brand experiences significantly influence purchasing behavior, highlighting the importance of evaluating long-term impacts over immediate sales. As companies like Watches of Switzerland host numerous events to engage clients, the pivotal role of customer insights in shaping future marketing strategies is increasingly clear.

Stuller has launched its 2027–28 Fine Jewellery catalogue, introducing over 900 new styles, including a fresh demi-fine jewellery section featuring various metal types. The updated catalogue prominently showcases lab-grown diamonds and customisable pieces, allowing consumers to tailor their jewellery to personal preferences. Moreover, enhancements to neckwear designs come with updated layouts and pricing. To celebrate this launch, Stuller is hosting a crossword competition, offering participants a chance to win a $1,000 account credit.

TH March has teamed up with ValuCert to revolutionise post-purchase customer engagement in the retail sector. This partnership aims to tackle the frequent loss of communication between retailers and customers after a sale, a gap that often leads to missed opportunities for ongoing relationships. By integrating expert valuations and digital records, retailers can enhance the ownership experience, covering insurance, servicing, and eventual asset replacement. The collaboration, supported by the National Association of Jewellers, underscores a shift towards fostering long-term customer connections in the jewellery and watch industry.